U.S. patent number 8,774,585 [Application Number 13/444,528] was granted by the patent office on 2014-07-08 for strain-relief bracket for fiber optic closure.
This patent grant is currently assigned to ADC Telecommunications, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Scott C. Kowalczyk, Paula Rudenick. Invention is credited to Scott C. Kowalczyk, Paula Rudenick.
United States Patent |
8,774,585 |
Kowalczyk , et al. |
July 8, 2014 |
Strain-relief bracket for fiber optic closure
Abstract
A fiber optic closure includes optical adapters located within
an enclosure, a ledge located within the enclosure between the
optical adapters and a cable port, and a strain-relief bracket
located within the enclosure at the ledge. The strain-relief
bracket defines channels that align with channels defined in the
ledge. Each of the channels of the strain-relief bracket is
narrower than a fiber optic connector that is suitable to be
plugged into one of the optical adapters. The strain-relief bracket
provides support ledges between the channels that inhibit fiber
optic connectors from being pulled out of the optical adapters.
Inventors: |
Kowalczyk; Scott C. (Savage,
MN), Rudenick; Paula (Eden Prairie, MN) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kowalczyk; Scott C.
Rudenick; Paula |
Savage
Eden Prairie |
MN
MN |
US
US |
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Assignee: |
ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
(Berwyn, PA)
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Family
ID: |
47006441 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/444,528 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20120263425 A1 |
Oct 18, 2012 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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61474500 |
Apr 12, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
385/135;
385/134 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B
6/4471 (20130101); G02B 6/4447 (20130101); G02B
6/445 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G02B
6/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;385/134,104,105,135
;211/26 ;439/404 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
Tyco Electronics, "Fiber Closures and Terminals"
http://us.telecomosp.com/fiber%20optic%20products/fiber%20closures/defaul-
t.htm, (2010), pp. 1-3. cited by applicant .
Tyco Electronics, "FOSC 400, Fiber Optic Splice Closure" (1999),
pp. 1-4. cited by applicant .
Tyco Electronics, "FOSC-450, Fiber Optic Gel Closure" (2009), pp.
1-2. cited by applicant .
Tyco Electronics, "OFDC-B8, Outdoor Fiber Distribution Closure"
(2010), 1 page. cited by applicant .
Tyco Electronics, "Kit Content" (2010) 1 page. cited by
applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Kim; Ellen
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Merchant & Gould P.C.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A strain-relief bracket comprising: a monolithic body having
first and second planar surfaces extending along a length of the
body from a first end to a second end and extending along a width
of the body from a first side to a second side, the first and
second planar surfaces being connected by a peripheral edge
defining a thickness of the body; a plurality of notches extending
between the first and second planar surfaces, an open end of each
notch facing the first side of the body; a plurality of channels
extending between the first and second planar surfaces, an open end
of each channel facing the second side of the body; a plurality of
support ledges at least partially bounding the open-ended channels;
a first handle located at the first end of the body; and a second
handle located at the second end of the body.
2. The strain-relief bracket of claim 1, wherein the thickness of
the body is less than about one-half of an inch.
3. The strain-relief bracket of claim 2, wherein the thickness of
the body is about 1/8.sup.th of an inch.
4. The strain-relief bracket of claim 1, wherein the length of the
body is between about two inches and about six inches.
5. The strain-relief bracket of claim 1, wherein the width of the
body is less than about one inch.
6. The strain-relief bracket of claim 1, wherein an alignment tab
is formed at an intermediate location along the length of the body,
the alignment tab extending towards the first side of the body.
7. The strain-relief bracket of claim 6, wherein three of the
support ledges are located on either side of the alignment tab.
8. The strain-relief bracket of claim 1, wherein the support ledges
are generally U-shaped.
9. The strain-relief bracket of claim 8, wherein the notches are
narrower than the channels.
10. The strain-relief bracket of claim 1, wherein the first and
second handles extend farther towards the second side of the body
than the support ledges.
11. A fiber optic closure comprising: an enclosure defining an
interior and at least one cable port leading to the interior; at
least a first optical adapter located within the enclosure, the
first optical adapter having a first port facing the cable port of
the enclosure and a second port facing away from the cable port,
each of the first and second ports of the first optical adapter
being sized and configured to receive a fiber optic connector; a
ledge located within the enclosure between the first optical
adapter and the cable port, the ledge defining a generally planar
surface facing the first optical adapter, the ledge also defining a
first channel that aligns with the first port of the first optical
adapter; and a strain-relief bracket located within the enclosure
at the ledge, the strain-relief bracket having a first planar
surface that faces the planar surface of the ledge, the
strain-relief bracket also defining at least a first channel that
aligns with the first channel of the ledge, the first channel of
the strain-relief bracket having a width that is less than a width
of a fiber optic connector to provide a support ledge that faces
the first port of the first optical adapter.
12. The fiber optic closure of claim 11, further comprising at
least a first optical fiber extending into the interior of the
enclosure through the cable port, the first optic fiber being
terminated at a first fiber optic connector that is plugged into
the first port of the first optical adapter, the first optical
fiber passing through the first channel defined in the
strain-relief bracket and the first channel defined in the
ledge.
13. The fiber optic closure of claim 12, further comprising a
gasket located within the enclosure at the cable port to seal the
interior of the enclosure from an exterior of the enclosure, the
first optical cable extending through the gasket.
14. The fiber optic closure of claim 13, wherein a section of the
first optical fiber that extends out of the enclosure from the
cable port is surrounded by a ruggedized jacket.
15. The fiber optic closure of claim 11, wherein a plurality of
optical adapters are located within the enclosure, each of the
optical adapters including a first port and a second port, the
plurality of optical adapters including the first optical adapter,
wherein a plurality of optical fibers extend into the interior of
the enclosure through the cable port, each optical fiber being
terminated at a fiber optic connector that is plugged into the
first port of one of the optical adapters, the plurality of optical
fibers including the first optical fiber; wherein the ledge defines
a first plurality of channels that align with the first ports of
the optical adapters, the first plurality of channels including the
first channel of the ledge; and wherein the strain-relief bracket
defines a second plurality of channels that align with the first
plurality of channels, the second plurality of channels including
the first channel of the strain-relief bracket.
16. The fiber optic closure of claim 15, wherein the optical
adapters are coupled to a panel, and wherein ribs extend from the
panel between the optical adapters, wherein the strain-relief
bracket defines a plurality of notches that fit over the ribs when
the strain-relief device is positioned at the ledge within the
enclosure.
17. The fiber optic closure of claim 16, wherein the optical
adapters are separated into a first group and a second group, the
first group being spaced from the second group, and wherein the
strain-relief bracket includes an alignment tab that extends
towards the panel in between the first and second groups.
18. The fiber optic closure of claim 16, wherein the optical
adapters pivot away from the panel to enable the fiber optic
connectors to be removed from the optical adapters.
19. The fiber optic closure of claim 11, wherein the width of the
first channel of the strain-relief bracket is about equal to a
width of the first channel of the ledge.
20. The fiber optic closure of claim 11, wherein the strain-relief
device is fastened to the ledge.
21. A fiber optic closure comprising: an enclosure defining an
interior and at least one cable port leading to the interior; at
least a first optical adapter located within the enclosure, the
first optical adapter having a first port facing the cable port of
the enclosure and a second port facing away from the cable port,
each of the first and second ports of the first optical adapter
being sized and configured to receive a fiber optic connector; a
ledge located within the enclosure between the first optical
adapter and the cable port, the ledge defining a support surface
facing the first optical adapter, the ledge also defining a first
channel that aligns with the first port of the first optical
adapter; and a strain-relief bracket located within the enclosure
at the ledge, the strain-relief bracket having a first surface that
faces the support surface of the ledge, the strain-relief bracket
also defining at least a first channel that aligns with the first
channel of the ledge, the first channel of the strain-relief
bracket having a width that is less than a width of a fiber optic
connector to provide a support ledge that faces the first port of
the first optical adapter.
22. The fiber optic closure of claim 21, wherein an optical
connector is received at the first optical adapter, wherein a
portion of the optical connector seats on the strain-relief
bracket, and wherein a thickness of the strain-relief bracket is at
least as great as a distance over which the portion of the optical
connector travels to remove the optical connector from the first
port of the first optical adapter.
23. The fiber optic closure of claim 22, wherein the optical
connector includes an SC-connector.
24. The fiber optic closure of claim 23, a grip sleeve of an
SC-connector seats on the first surface of the strain-relief
bracket when the SC-connector is received at the first port of the
first optical adapter.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/474,500, filed Apr. 12, 2011, which
application is hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
This disclosure relates to strain relief for connectorized optical
fiber cables. In particular, this disclosure relates to a
strain-relief bracket that is suitable to provide strain-relief to
fiber optic connectors plugged into optical adapters within fiber
optic closures (e.g., drop boxes, fiber distribution hubs,
etc.).
BACKGROUND
Fiber optic communication systems are becoming prevalent in part
because service providers want to deliver high band width
communication capabilities to customers. Fiber optic communication
systems employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmit large
volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances. A
typical fiber optic network includes a system of fiber optic cables
that interconnect a plurality of subscribers (also known as end
users or customers) to a central location such as a central office.
The system of fiber optic cables can include architecture that
transitions from higher fiber count fiber optic cables (e.g.,
distribution cables, trunk cables, main cables, F1 cables, etc.) to
lower fiber count fiber optic cables. The smallest fiber count
cables (e.g., drop cables) are typically nearest to the
subscribers. Enclosures (e.g., drop terminals, splice closures,
optical network terminals, pedestals, aerial enclosures, etc.) are
provided throughout the network for providing connection locations
for interconnecting higher fiber count fiber optic cables to lower
fiber count fiber optic cables.
FIG. 1 shows an example fiber optic network 100 that interconnects
a central office 101 to a number of subscribers 105 (i.e., end
users or customers). The central office can additionally connect to
one or more larger networks, such as the Internet (not shown) and a
public switched telephone network (PSTN).
Some cables in the network 100 can be branched out from main cable
lines 120 and routed to fiber distribution and access terminals
(e.g., fiber distribution hubs (FDHs) or pedestals). For example,
feeder cables can branch from main cable lines 120 at branch points
102 and be routed to FDHs 103. Such branched cables might extend
from the FDHs 103 to smaller fiber access terminals (e.g., optical
network terminals or drop terminals) 104 directly adjacent the
subscribers 105 (e.g., business or home) to which service may be
provided. The various lines of the network can be aerial or housed
within underground conduits. In other implementations, the cable
lines 120 can be routed through enclosures/terminals where selected
optical fibers of the cable lines 120 are accessed for connection
to drop lines.
As demand for telecommunications increases, fiber optic networks
are being extended in more and more areas. In facilities such as
multiple dwelling units, apartments, condominiums, businesses,
etc., fiber access terminals 104 or other fiber optic enclosures
are used to provide subscriber access points for the end users
105.
Improvements to current fiber networks are desirable.
SUMMARY
Certain aspects of the disclosure relate to fiber access terminals
(e.g., optical network terminals or drop terminals). Each fiber
access terminal includes an enclosure that is adapted to optically
connect incoming fibers to outgoing fibers. Certain aspects of the
disclosure relate to features that facilitate strain-relief within
the enclosures.
A variety of additional inventive aspects will be set forth in the
description that follows. The inventive aspects can relate to
individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be
understood that both the forgoing general description and the
following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only
and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which
the embodiments disclosed herein are based.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a network deploying passive fiber optic lines
and including a central office that connects a number of end
subscribers (also called end users herein) in a network in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a portion of the fiber
optic network of FIG. 1 including an access terminal enclosure
having features that are examples of inventive aspects in
accordance with the principles of the present disclosure;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one example implementation of a
fiber optic enclosure configured to provide a connection interface
between two or more optical fibers;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 3;
FIGS. 5 and 5A show one example implementation of a fiber optic
cable assembly including one or more optical fibers suitable for
use in the fiber optic enclosure disclosed herein;
FIGS. 6, 6A, and 6B show various views of an example fiber optic
connector terminating one end of an optical cable;
FIGS. 7-9 are top perspective views of an example implementation of
a strain-relief bracket in accordance with the principles of the
disclosure;
FIG. 10 is a plan view of the example strain-relief bracket of
FIGS. 7-9;
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the example strain-relief
bracket of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the fiber optic enclosure of FIG.
3 with the strain relief bracket of FIGS. 7-11 positioned
thereat;
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the fiber optic enclosure of FIG.
12 with a connectorized optical fiber plugged into one of the
optical adapters and being managed by the strain-relief
bracket;
FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 14; and
FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 14 shown in a
front elevational view.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the
present disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be
used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like
parts.
FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an example portion 110 of a
fiber optic network, such as fiber optic network 100 of FIG. 1,
configured in accordance with the principles of the present
disclosure. The illustrated network portion 110 includes a facility
113 (e.g., an individual residence, an apartment, a condominium, a
business, etc.) at which at least one fiber optic enclosure 117 is
located. The network portion 110 also includes a feeder cable 115,
which includes one or more fibers branched off from a main cable
line, routed to the fiber optic enclosure 117.
The feeder cable 115 enters a fiber optic enclosure 117 (e.g., a
fiber access terminal, a fiber distribution hub, a network
interface device, etc.) having a plurality of fiber optic adapters
that connect the feeder cable 115 to one or more subscriber cables
(e.g., drop cables) 122. In some implementations, the fiber optic
enclosure 117 also includes one or more optical splitters (e.g.,
1-to-8 splitters, 1-to-16 splitters, or 1-to-32 splitters) that
split signals carried over feeder cable fibers onto multiple
subscriber cable fibers.
By way of example only, the fiber optic enclosure 117 may be
located on an external wall of the facility 113. In other example
implementations, the fiber optic enclosure 117 may be located
inside the facility 113 (e.g., in a lower level or basement). One
or more units 119 in the facility 13 include an end location 124
(e.g., a wall outlet, network interface device, or other user
connection terminal) to which one of the subscriber cables 122 is
routed.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one example implementation of a
fiber optic enclosure 200 configured to provide a connection
interface between two or more optical fibers. The enclosure 200
includes a base 201 having a top 202, a bottom 203, a first side
204, a second side 205, a rear 206, and an open front 207. The
enclosure 200 also may include a cover 208. Together, the base 201
and the cover 208 define an interior of the enclosure 200. The base
and cover each may have a thickness within the range from about
0.02 inches (0.5 mm) to about 0.16 inches (4 mm).
The cover 208 is pivotally mounted to the base 201 to provide
selective access to the interior of the enclosure 200. For example,
the cover 208 couples to the base 201 at a hinge axis. In certain
implementations, the hinge axis is located at the open front of the
base 201. In the example shown, the hinge axis of the cover 208
extends along the top 202 of the base 201. In other
implementations, however, the hinge axis of the cover 208 may
extend along the first side 204 of the base 201, the second side
205 of the base 201, or the bottom 203 of the base 201.
The base 201 includes mounting members 203 defining openings that
enable fasteners to secure the base 201 to a surface (e.g., a wall,
a panel, etc.). For example, each mounting member 203 may define a
through-opening. In the example shown, the base 201 includes two
mounting members 203 extending from each side 204, 205 of the base
201. In other implementations, however, the base 201 may include
greater or fewer mounting members 203. In still other
implementations, the enclosure 200 includes other securement
features to fix the enclosure 200 at a desired location.
The base 201 defines at least one cable port 209 leading to the
interior of the enclosure 200. Certain types of enclosures 200 have
multiple cable ports 209 leading to the interior. Each cable port
209 is configured to receive one or more optical cables. A
termination location 220 is defined within the interior of the
enclosure 200. In some implementations, the enclosure 200 is
configured to receive at least a first feeder cable 115 and at
least a first subscriber cable 122 that interface to each other at
the termination location 220. Certain types of enclosures 200 are
configured to receive a plurality of subscriber cables 122 that
route to the termination location 220. For example, certain types
of enclosures 200 may define one or more feeder cable ports and one
or more separate subscriber cable ports.
In some implementations, a gasket 260 may be provided at the cable
ports 209 to seal the interior of the enclosure 200 from an
exterior of the enclosure 200. For example, the gasket 260 may
inhibit egress of environmental contamination (e.g., dirt, dust,
water, rodents, etc.). Accordingly, the gasket 260 protects the
exposed sections of the optical fibers 322 or inner assembly cables
320 from environmental contaminants. In some implementations, the
gasket 260 defines one or more channels through which cables, such
as fiber optic cables 300, may be routed. In certain
implementations, a single fiber optic cable 300 is routed through
each channel of the gasket 260. Certain types of gaskets 260
include elastomeric membranes that expand radially inwardly to
sealingly compress along a length of the fiber optic cables 300
when the gasket 260 is axially compressed.
As the term is used herein, an "optical cable" refers to a physical
medium that is capable of carrying one or more optical signals
along its length. For example, an optical cable may include one or
more optical fibers that are configured to carry optical signals
along their length. The fibers in a fiber optic cable may be
buffered and/or jacketed (e.g., individually or as a group).
Certain types of fiber optic cables may be terminated with one or
more connectors (e.g., SC, LC, FC, LX.5, or MPO connectors).
FIGS. 5 and 5A show one example implementation of a fiber optic
cable assembly, generally designated 300, including one or more
optical fibers 322 suitable for use in the fiber optic enclosure
200 disclosed herein. The fiber optic drop cable assembly 300
includes an inner cable assembly 320. The inner cable assembly 320
includes one or more optical fibers 322, a buffer layer 324, a
first strength layer 326, and a first jacket 328 (see FIG. 5).
Certain types of fiber optic cable assemblies 300 are suitable for
outside use. For example, the cable assembly 300 may be a
hardened/ruggedized cable assembly. In some implementations,
certain types of fiber optic cable assemblies 300 further includes
a second jacket 302 disposed about the inner cable assembly 320. In
the example shown, the fiber optic drop cable assembly 300 is a
generally flat cable assembly. For example, a width of the second
jacket 302 is greater than a thickness of the second jacket 302. It
will be understood, however, that the scope of the present
disclosure is not limited to the fiber optic cable assembly 300
being a generally flat cable assembly.
The second jacket 302 defines a cable opening 304 that extends the
length of the fiber optic cable assembly 300. The cable opening 304
is sized to receive at least the inner cable assembly 320. At least
a portion of the second jacket 302 of the fiber optic drop cable
assembly 300 can be selectively removed to expose the inner cable
assembly 320. The second jacket 302 further defines a longitudinal
split, generally designated 306. In one implementation, the
longitudinal split 306 extends the length of the fiber optic drop
cable assembly 300. The longitudinal split 306 includes a first
longitudinal end 308 and an oppositely disposed second longitudinal
end 310.
In certain implementations, a web 312 connects the first and second
longitudinal ends 308, 310 of the longitudinal split 306. The web
312 acts as a line of weakness at which the second jacket 302 can
be selectively opened. The web 312 is a thin strip of material
having a thickness that is less than a thickness of the second
jacket 302 between an outer surface of the second jacket 302 and
the cable opening 304. In the example shown, the web 312 is made of
the same material as the second jacket 302.
In some implementations, a ripcord 314 is disposed in the cable
opening 304 between the first jacket 20 of the inner cable assembly
320 and the second jacket 302. The ripcord 314 extends the length
of the fiber optic drop cable assembly 300. In the subject
embodiment, the ripcord 314 is adapted to tear through the web 312
when subjected to a pulling force in a direction that is radially
outward from the inner cable assembly 320. As the ripcord 314 is
pulled, the first and second longitudinal ends 308, 310 of the
longitudinal split 306 separate, thereby providing a location at
which the inner cable assembly 320 can be removed from the second
jacket 302. In one implementations, the ripcord 314 is a polyester
material. In another embodiment, the ripcord 314 is a nylon
material. In another embodiment, the ripcord 314 is coated
KEVLAR.RTM..
At least the second jacket 302 of the fiber optic cable assembly
300 is removed from a section of the optical fiber 322 extending
within the enclosure 200. In some implementations, the jacket 328
and/or buffer tube 324 also may be stripped from the optical fibers
322 routed within the enclosure 200. In certain implementations,
the optical fibers 322 may be upjacketed at one or more cable
fanouts. In other implementations, one or more fibers of the inner
cable assembly 320 are preterminated with fiber optic connectors
340 at a factory or other manufacturing facility.
Additional details pertaining to the fiber optic cable assembly 300
can be found in U.S. Publication No. 2009-0324182 A1, filed May 27,
2009 as U.S. application Ser. No. 12/472,587, and titled
"Multi-Jacketed Fiber Optic Cable," the disclosure of which is
hereby incorporated herein by reference. In other implementations,
the fiber optic cable assembly 300 includes only the inner cable
assembly 320. In still other implementations, the fiber optic cable
assembly 300 may include any desired configuration of optical
fibers 322.
FIGS. 6, 6A, and 6B show various views of a fiber optic connector
340 terminating one end of an optical cable, such as fiber optic
cable 300. The fiber optic connector 340 has a connector body 341
holding a ferrule 343. The ferrule 343 retains the optical fiber
322 of the cable 300. The connector body 341 has an end surface 342
at an opposite side from the ferrule 343. In the example shown, the
connector body 341 defines an SC-type fiber optic connector body.
In other implementations, however, the connector body 341 may
define an LC-type fiber optic connector body, an ST-type fiber
optic connector body, and LX.5 type fiber optic connector body, or
any other type of connector body.
The connector body 341 has a height A (FIG. 6A) and a width B (FIG.
6B). In some implementations, the height A of the connector body
341 ranges between about 0.275 inches (about 7 mm) and about 0.3
inches (about 7.5 mm). In one example implementation, the height A
of the connector body 341 is about 0.28 inches (about 7.2 mm). In
another example implementation, the height A of the connector body
341 is about 0.29 inches (about 7.4 mm). In some implementations,
the width B of the connector body 341 ranges between about 0.33
inches (about 8.5 mm) and about 0.36 inches (about 9.2 mm). In one
example implementation, the width B of the connector body 341 is
about 0.346 inches (about 8.8 mm). In another example
implementation, the width B of the connector body 341 is about
0.354 inches (about 9 mm).
A boot 345 extends from the end surface 342 of the connector body
341. The boot 345 inhibits bending of the optical fiber 322 beyond
a bend radius limit. The boot 345 includes a first portion having a
relatively constant diameter and a second portion that tapers
inwardly as the boot 345 extends away from the connector body 341.
In some implementations, the boot 345 is generally smooth. In other
implementations, the boot 345 defines one or more notches or ridges
that facilitate bending of the boot 345. In certain
implementations, the boot 345 is made of a relative soft,
deformable material.
Referring back to FIGS. 3 and 4, one or more connectorized optical
fibers 322 extend from the gasket 260 or cable ports 209 to the
termination location 220. As noted above, the optical fibers 322
may be bare, buffered, jacketed, upjacketed, or
hardened/ruggedized). In the example shown in FIGS. 14-16, the full
cable 300 extends through one of the channels defined in the gasket
260 into the enclosure 200. Accordingly, the gasket 260 forms a
seal around the ruggedized outer jacket 302 of the cable 300.
The outer jacket 302 is stripped from at least the inner cable
assembly 320 at a point between the gasket 260 and the cable
management location 240. In various implementations, the outer
jacket 302, the first jacket 328, the buffer layer 324, strength
members 326, or some combination thereof are stripped from the
optical fibers 322. The connectorized end of the inner cable
assembly 320 (or of the optical fibers 322 or some portion thereof)
extends through the management section 240 to the termination
location 220.
One or more optical adapters 221 are positioned at the termination
location 220. In some implementations, the optical adapters 221
form a single row extending between the first and second sides 204,
205 of the enclosure 200. In other implementations, the optical
adapters 221 may form multiple rows or may form one or more columns
at the termination location 220. Each of the optical adapters has a
first port 222 facing the cable ports 209 of the enclosure 200 and
a second port 223 facing away from the cable ports 209. Each of the
first and second ports 222, 223 of the optical adapters 221 is
sized and configured to receive a fiber optic connector 340 (see
FIG. 6) terminating at least one of the optical fiber 322. The
interior of each optical adapter 220 is configured to align
ferrules of the fiber optic connectors 340 received at the ports
222, 223.
In some implementations, the optical adapters 221 are configured to
pivot or rotate to face at least the first ports 222 away from the
base 201 of the enclosure (e.g., towards a user). Pivoting the
optical adapters 221 towards the user facilitates plugging the
fiber optic connectors 340 into the first ports 222 of the optical
adapters 221. As will be discussed in more detail herein, pivoting
the optical adapters 221 also may facilitate plugging the fiber
optic connectors 340 into the first ports 222 of the optical
adapters 221 without removing the strain-relief bracket 400 from
the enclosure 200.
Additional details pertaining to one example implementation of
pivoting optical adapters can be found, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No.
7,802,926, filed Oct. 2, 2006 as U.S. application Ser. No.
12/088,101, and titled "Optical Fibre Connection Device," the
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
In some implementations, at least some connectorized optical fibers
are routed from the gasket 260 towards the second ports 223. For
example, the connectorized optical fiber may be routed around one
or more cable spools, bend radius limiters, or other management
structures located within the enclosure 200. In other
implementations, unconnectorized optical fibers may be routed to a
splice tray located within the enclosure 200 to be spliced to
connectorized optical fibers. In still other implementations,
connectorized or unconnectorized optical fibers may be routed to
one or more optical splitters located within the enclosure 200.
In some implementations, connectorized optical fibers are routed
from the gasket 260 towards the first ports 222 of the optical
adapters 221. In other implementations, optical fibers may be
routed from the gasket 260 to a splice location or splitter
location at which the optical fiber is optically coupled to a
connectorized optical fiber. In the example shown, dust caps 225
are plugged into the first ports 222 of the optical adapters 221 to
inhibit contamination of the optical adapters 221 until fiber optic
connector 340 are received thereat.
A cable management section 240 is located within the interior of
the enclosure 200 between the termination assembly 220 and the
cable ports 209. The cable management section 240 is configured to
manage and/or organize the optical fibers routed between the cable
ports 209 and the termination assembly 220. In some
implementations, the cable management section 240 provides separate
routing paths for each optical fiber. In certain implementations,
the management section 240 may include feature that aid in
retaining and/or aligning the fiber optic connectors plugged into
the optical adapters 221.
In some implementations, the cable management section 240 includes
one or more retention fingers 241. In certain implementations, a
pair of opposing retention fingers 241 cooperates to define a
channel leading towards the first ports 222 of the optical adapters
221. In the example shown, each pair of retention fingers 241
includes a finger retention finger 241 that is offset from a second
retention finger 241. In other implementations, the retention
fingers 241 may be aligned in a plane.
A ledge 242 also is located at the cable management section 240 of
the enclosure 200. The ledge 242, which is spaced a distance H
(FIG. 4) from the optical adapters 241, defines one or more
channels 243 that align with the first ports 242 of the optical
adapters 221. In certain implementations, the channels 243 of the
ledge 242 generally align with the channels defined by the
retention fingers 241. In some implementations, the ledge 242 also
defines a generally planar surface 244 facing the optical adapters
221.
Ribs 245 extend from the ledge 242 towards the adapters 221
generally parallel with insertion axes of the first ports 222 of
the optical adapters 221. In the example shown, a rib 245 extends
between adjacent first ports 222 of the optical adapters 221. In
some implementations, the ribs 245 aid in aligning the fiber optic
connectors 340 with the first ports 222 of the optical adapters
221. In certain implementations, the ribs 245 extend below the
ledge 242 towards the cable ports 209.
A strain relief location 230 is defined within the interior of the
enclosure to fix one or more of the fiber optic connectors 340 to
the first ports 222 of the optical adapters 221 at the termination
location 220. For example, a strain relief bracket 400 may be
mounted at the strain relief location 230 to inhibit any fiber
optic connectors 340 plugged into the first ports 222 of the
optical adapters 221 from being pulled out unintentionally.
Accordingly, the strain-relief bracket 400 reduces the risk of
signal disruption, resulting in a more reliable connection.
FIGS. 7-11 illustrate one example implementation of a strain-relief
bracket 400 suitable for use in the enclosure 200. The
strain-relief bracket 400 includes a monolithic body 401 having
first and second planar surfaces 402, 403, respectively, extending
along a length L (FIG. 11) of the body 401 from a first end 404 to
a second end 405. The first and second planar surfaces 402, 403 are
connected by a peripheral edge 408 defining a thickness T (FIG. 11)
of the body 401.
In some implementations, the body 401 of the strain-relief bracket
400 has a thickness T of less than about 0.5 inches (about 13 mm).
In certain implementations, the body 401 of the strain-relief
bracket 400 has a thickness T of less than about 0.2 inches (about
5 mm). In one example implementation, the body 401 of the
strain-relief bracket 400 has a thickness T of about 1/8.sup.th of
an inch (about 3 mm). In some implementations, the body 401 of the
strain-relief bracket 400 has a length L that is between about two
inches (about 51 mm) and about six inches (about 152 mm).
In certain implementations, the bracket body 401 also includes at
least one handle to assist a user in manipulating the bracket body
401. In some implementations, the body 401 includes a first handle
417 at the first end 404 and a second handle 417 at the second end
405. The handles 417 each provide a grasping surface at which a
user may hold the bracket body 401 when positioning the bracket
body 401 at the strain-relief location 230. In other
implementations, a handle may be positioned at a central location
on the body 401.
The planar surfaces 402, 403 of the bracket body 401 also extend
from a first side 406 to a second side 407. In some
implementations, the first and second handles 417 extend towards
the second side 407 of the body 401 to define a first bracket width
W1. In certain implementations, the width W1 of the bracket body
401 at the handles 417 is less than about one inch (about 25 mm).
In one implementation, the width W1 of the bracket body 401 is
about 2/3.sup.rd of an inch (about 17 mm).
In general, the body 401 of the bracket 400 is configured to mount
within the enclosure at the ledge 242. For example, in some
implementations, the second planar surface 403 of the body 401 may
face the planar surface 244 of the ledge 242. In certain
implementations, the second planar surface 403 of the bracket body
401 is configured to seat on the planar surface 244 of the ledge
242. In some implementations, the ledge 242 supports the bracket
body 401.
The bracket body 401 defines one or more open-ended channels 410
extending between the first and second planar surfaces 402, 403.
The open end 411 of each channel 410 faces the second side 407 of
the body 401. In certain implementations, the inner profile of each
channel 410 is generally squared off (see FIG. 10). In other
implementations, the inner profile of each channel 410 may be
round, obround, elliptical, or another shape.
Each of the channels 410 has a width W3 that is sufficiently narrow
to inhibit a body 341 of a fiber optic connector 340 from passing
through the channel 410. In some implementations, the width W3 of
each channel 410 is less than a width W4 of the body 341 of a fiber
optic connector 340. In certain implementations, the width W3 of
each channel 410 is less than about 1/4.sup.th of an inch (about
6.4 mm). In certain implementations, the width W3 of each channel
410 is less than about 0.22 inches (about 5.5 mm).
The width W3 of each channel 410 is sufficiently large to enable a
boot 345 to be received within the channel 410. In some
implementations, the width W3 of each channel 410 is sufficiently
large to surround the boot 345 without applying pressure to the
boot 345. In other implementations, the width W3 of the channels
410 is sized to partially apply an inward pressure on the boot 345
to aid in holding the connector 340 in place. In certain
implementations, the width W3 of the channels 410 is sized to
inwardly deform the boot 345 when the boot 345 is received at the
channel 410.
For example, in some implementations, the width W3 of each channel
410 is greater than about 0.125 of an inch (about 3.2 mm). Indeed,
in some implementations, the width W3 of each channel 410 is
greater than about 0.16 inches (about 4 mm). In one implementation,
the width W3 of each channel 410 is about 0.2 inches (about 5 mm).
In another implementation, the width W3 of each channel 410 is
about 0.19 inches (4.8 mm).
Support ledges 412 at least partially bound the open-ended channels
410. The support ledges extend generally transverse to the
insertion axes of the first ports 222 of the optical adapters 221.
In certain implementations, the support ledges 412 are generally
U-shaped. The support ledges 412 extend from the first side 406 of
the bracket body 401 towards the second side 407 to define a second
width W2. In some implementations, the second width W2 is less than
the first width W1 of the body 401 at the handles 417. In some
implementations, the width W2 is less than about 1/2 an inch (about
13 mm). In one implementation, the width W2 is about 0.47 inches
(about 12 mm). In other implementations, however, the support
ledges 412 may have the same width as the handles 417.
In some implementations, an alignment tab 415 is formed at an
intermediate location along the length L of the bracket body 401.
For example, the alignment tab 415 may be located at a center of
the bracket body 401. In certain implementations, three of the
open-ended channels 410 are located on either side of the alignment
tab 415. The alignment tab 415 extends towards the first side of
the body 406. In some implementations, the alignment bracket 415 is
about the same width as the channels 410. In other implementations,
however, the alignment bracket 415 may be larger or smaller than
the alignment channels 410.
In some implementations, the bracket body 401 defines one or more
notches 418 that aid in aligning and/or retaining the bracket body
401 within the enclosure 200. The notches 418 have open ends 419
facing the first side 406 of the bracket body 401. In certain
implementations, the notches 418 extend at least partially between
the open-ended channels 410. For example, the notches 418 may be
cut into the support ledges 412 and handles 417 of the bracket body
401. In the example shown, the notches 418 are narrower than the
open-ended channels 410.
As shown in FIGS. 12-13, the strain-relief bracket 400 may be
positioned at the ledge 242 within the enclosure 200. For example,
a user may position the bracket so that the second planar surface
403 faces the ledge 242 and the notches 418 align with the ribs
245. In some implementations, the second planar surface 403 of the
bracket body 401 seats on the ledge 242 to hold the bracket body
401 at the strain-relief location 230.
The bracket body 401 is oriented so that the notches 418 face
towards the base 201 of the enclosure 200 and the open ends 411 of
the channels 410 face away from the base 201 of the enclosure 200.
In certain implementations, the notches 418 fit snugly about the
ribs 245 to facilitate retaining the bracket body 401 at the
strain-relief location 230. For example, the notches 418 may be
sized and shaped to form a friction-fit about the ribs 245 of the
enclosure 200. In other implementations, however, the notches 418
fit loosely about the ribs 245.
In the example shown, the optical adapters 221 are separated into a
first group located at a right side of the enclosure 200 and a
second group located at a left side of the enclosure 200. The first
and second groups are separated by a channel 247. In certain
implementations, ribs 245 run vertically along either side of the
channel 247. In some implementations, the alignment tab 415 of the
bracket body 401 fits within the channel 247 when the bracket body
401 is positioned at the ledge 242.
As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the bracket 400 provides strain-relief to
one or more connectors 340 plugged into the first ports 222 of the
optical adapters 221. In general, at least a portion of a body 341
of each fiber optic connector 340 has a width W3 that is larger
than a width W4 of the channels 410 of the bracket body 401.
Accordingly, outer sides of an end surface 342 of each connector
body 341 face one of the support ledges 412 of the bracket body 401
when the fiber optic connector 340 is plugged into the first port
222 of one of the optical adapters 221.
When a sufficient axial pulling force is applied to the cable 300,
the end surface 342 of the connector body 341 may be forced against
the support ledges 412 of the bracket body 401. Accordingly, the
support ledge 412 will inhibit the connector body 341 from being
pulled out of engagement with the optical adapter 221. In some
implementations, the bracket 401 is positioned within the enclosure
200 and has a thickness T such that the end surface 342 of each
connector body 341 seats on or otherwise engages the respective
support ledge 412 even when a pulling force is not applied to the
cable 300.
In other implementations, the end surface 342 of each connector
body 341 is spaced a short axial distance from the support ledge
412 so as to allows limited axial movement of the fiber optic
connectors 340 relative to the optical adapters 221. In some
implementations, the axial distance is less than about 0.2 inches
(5.1 mm). In certain implementations, the axial distance is less
than about 0.1 inches (2.5 mm). In certain implementations, the
axial distance is less than about 0.08 inches (2 mm). In certain
implementations, the axial distance is less than about 0.04 inches
(1 mm). In one example implementation, the axial distance is about
0.008 inches (0.2 mm).
In some implementations, a fiber optic connector 340 may be
inserted into and/or removed from one of the optical connectors 221
after the strain-relief bracket 400 has been positioned within the
enclosure 200. For example, one or more of the optical adapters 221
may be pivoted or rotated so that the first ports 222 face away
from the bracket body 401. When the optical adapter 221 is pivoted,
the first port 222 is faced away from the bracket body 401.
Accordingly, a connector body 341 may be freely inserted into or
removed from the first port 222. After inserting a connector body
341 into the port 222, the optical adapter 221 may be pivoted back
into position. Pivoting the optical adapter 221 back to the initial
position moves the boot 345 of the connector 340 into the
respective bracket channel 410 and the connector body 341 into
position above the support ledge 412.
The above specification, examples and data provide a complete
description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the
invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the
invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.
* * * * *
References